Yesteryear

10 Years Ago

One of the world’s smallest air forces, the Tongan Air Force, has purchased one Champion Citabria for pilot training and patrol of the country’s economic exclusion zone surrounding the chain of islands. This aircraft joins a Beech 18 acquired in 1996 for similar duties.

The first RAAF Lockheed C-130J-30 Hercules II, A97-464, was officially handed over at RAAF Richmond on September 7. The RAAF will acquire 12 C-130Js as replacements for No 37 Squadron’s C-130Es with six further aircraft due for delivery in the coming months with the remaining aircraft due in the first half of 2000.